Hajj 2026: The Annual Pilgrimage to Mecca

Day 1 — Arrival and Ihram (8 Dhul Hijjah)

Pilgrims enter the state of ihram — wearing two white unsewn cloths and declaring the intention of Hajj. They travel to Mina, a tent city outside Mecca, where they spend the day and night in prayer and preparation. The white garments symbolise equality before God — no distinction of wealth or status.

Day 2 — Arafah: The Heart of Hajj (9 Dhul Hijjah)

Standing on the plain of Arafah from noon to sunset is the central pillar of Hajj — without it, Hajj is invalid. Pilgrims pray, make du'a, and seek forgiveness. After sunset they move to Muzdalifah, where they collect pebbles for the symbolic stoning of Shaitan (the devil) and sleep under the open sky.

Days 3–5 — Eid, Stoning, and Tawaf (10–13 Dhul Hijjah)

On Eid al-Adha (10 Dhul Hijjah), pilgrims stone the Jamarat pillars in Mina, sacrifice an animal, shave or cut their hair, and perform Tawaf — circling the Kaaba seven times in the Sacred Mosque. They then walk seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa (Sa'i), commemorating Hajar's search for water.

Farewell Tawaf

Before leaving Mecca, pilgrims perform the Farewell Tawaf — a final seven circuits of the Kaaba. Many weep at this departure, uncertain whether they will return. The Hajj is considered the journey of a lifetime, and pilgrims return home with the honoured title of Hajji or Hajja.

Who is required to perform Hajj?

Hajj is obligatory once in a lifetime for every Muslim who has reached puberty, is of sound mind, and possesses the means — a concept known as istita'ah (ability). This means having sufficient funds for the journey without going into debt, and leaving enough for one's dependants while away. Physical health to endure the demands of Hajj is also required. Those who are not financially or physically able are exempt. Women must be accompanied by a mahram (male guardian) in most traditional rulings, though policies have evolved in recent years for women travelling in organised groups.

What is the difference between Hajj and Umrah?

Hajj is the major pilgrimage, performed during specific days in Dhul Hijjah, and is obligatory once in a lifetime for those able. Umrah is the minor pilgrimage — it can be performed at any time of year, takes a few hours rather than five days, and is not obligatory (though highly recommended). Umrah consists of Ihram, Tawaf around the Kaaba, Sa'i between Safa and Marwa, and shaving or cutting the hair. Hajj includes all of Umrah plus the standing at Arafah, staying in Mina, the stoning of the Jamarat, and the sacrifice — making it the more comprehensive and spiritually demanding act of worship.